Progress in TOPCon solar cell technology: Investigating hafnium oxide through simulation

• Published in: Current applied physics 2024, 63(0), , pp.96-104
• Main Authors: Rahman, Rafi Ur, Khokhar, Muhammad Quddamah, Hussain, Shahzada Qamar, Mehmood, Haris, Yousuf, Hasnain, Jony, Jaljalalul Abedin, Park, Sangheon, Yi, Junsin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ATLAS silvaco software simulations; Charge carrier lifetime; Hafnium oxide; Solar cell efficiency; TOPCon solar cells; 물리학
• ISSN: 1567-1739; 1878-1675
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cap.2024.04.001

In the realm of solar energy technology, exploring hafnium oxide (HfO2) in Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) solar cells is pivotal. This study delineates HfO2's evolution from semiconductor applications, highlighting its crucial role in enhancing TOPCon solar cell performance. Utilizing ATLAS Silvaco software, the study anticipates a 21.3% increase in charge carrier lifetime through optimized HfO2 layers, addressing challenges in interface engineering and scalability. Innovative research integrates hafnium oxide (HfO2) into TOPCon solar cells, marking a leap in photovoltaic technology. Utilizing ATLAS Silvaco simulations, it shows that HfO2 layers can significantly enhance cell performance, increasing charge carrier lifetime by 21.3% and potentially boosting efficiency by 25%. This underscores HfO2's advantages, like a higher dielectric constant and thermal stability, in improving solar cell efficiency and durability. Future efforts target refining deposition processes, projecting a 25% boost in overall power conversion efficiency (PCE). Emphasizing HfO2's significance in solar cell technology, this research contributes to global sustainable energy initiatives. Integrating HfO2 in TOPCon solar cells signifies a key achievement in harnessing clean, renewable energy. Upcoming research focuses on experimental validation, interface engineering, optimization, stability assessments, scalability, and collaborative studies, aiming to leverage HfO2's potential for elevating solar energy conversion technologies. [Display omitted] •Hafnium oxide (HfO2) integration in TOPCon solar cells offers a potential 21.3% increase in charge carrier lifetime and a projected 25% boost in power conversion efficiency (PCE).•HfO2's superior material properties, like a higher dielectric constant and robustness at high temperatures, contribute to its efficacy over silicon oxide (SiO2) in enhancing solar cell performance.•Utilizing ATLAS Silvaco software, simulations indicated HfO2's advantageous role in passivation and efficiency improvement.•Future research aims to refine HfO2 deposition processes and interface engineering for practical scalability.•This study supports global sustainable energy initiatives, moving towards cleaner and more efficient renewable energy sources.